Over the past few weeks, we have all felt it. The heat has been intense, our parks and green spaces are looking brown, we are all worried about what prolonged periods of hot weather might mean for our borough.
Climate change is no longer something we can talk about as a future challenge. It is here, and we are seeing its effects in our communities today.
That is why Ealing Council continues to invest in trees, parks and green spaces across the borough. These are not simply nice things to have. They are essential infrastructure that help keep our neighbourhoods cooler, support wildlife, improve air quality and make our communities healthier and more resilient.
Every tree we plant is an investment in borough’s future.
How you can help a tree
But planting trees is only the first step. Young trees are particularly vulnerable during periods of hot, dry weather and they need water to survive and thrive. That’s why I’m asking residents to help us care for them.
Please consider sponsoring a tree near you, through our scheme run in partnership with Trees for Streets. If there is a young tree near your home, workplace or on your street, please consider giving it a bucket of water when you can. A small act can make a big difference. Thousands of residents each doing a little will help us protect the investment we are making together in a greener borough.
Wildfire warnings – we need to be careful
Our parks and green spaces are also under pressure during the hotter months. We want everyone to enjoy them, whether that’s exercising, meeting friends, spending time with family or simply finding a cool place to relax. But we all have a role to play in keeping them safe and welcoming.
Please take your litter home or use the bins provided. Broken glass in particular, can lead to wildfires as well as harming wildlife and putting others at risk.
Just as importantly, please be extra careful about anything that could start a fire. Dry grass, shrubs and vegetation can ignite very quickly in hot conditions. Disposable barbecues, unattended cooking equipment, discarded cigarettes and any open flames are a hug risk. A single careless moment can cause significant damage to our parks, wildlife habitats and nearby homes.
Working together in 3 simple ways
The good news is that Ealing has a strong track record of communities coming together when it matters. Whether it’s supporting neighbours, caring for local parks or helping us tackle climate change, residents consistently show they are willing to play their part.
Climate resilience isn’t something the council can deliver alone. It requires all of us working together. By planting and protecting trees, respecting our green spaces and taking simple steps to reduce fire risks, we can help ensure Ealing remains a greener, healthier and more resilient borough for future generations.
So while the weather remains hot, I would ask everyone to do 3 simple things: water a young tree if you can, clean up after yourself when using our parks, and avoid anything that could create a fire risk.
Together, we can help Ealing weather the challenges of a changing climate and continue building a borough we can all be proud of.
